Leipzig 1723 (Accentus Music)
Three applicants for the cantor position in Leipzig in 1723 [DF]
Bach: St. Matthew Passion (Orchid)
(Déjà Review) A very successful and involving performance that conveys the essence of Bach’s masterpiece very well [JQ]
Verdi: Un ballo in maschera (Sony Classical)
(Déjà Review) Verdi singing does not come much better than this [RJF]
Ronald Stevenson: Piano Music Vol. 6 (Toccata Classics)
Volume 6 of a remarkable cycle [JF]
Skalkottas: Concertos (BIS)
Fine performances of rare concertos continue BIS’s mammoth Skalkottas series [GH]
Carl Seemann (piano) The Orfeo Recordings (Orfeo)
A 40th anniversary salute to a rather overlooked German pianist [JW]
Ciaconna! (Glossa)
Everything here – music, performances, sound and notes – is exceptional [DJB]
Boismortier: Trios, Quartets & Concerto (Christophorus)
This music is intended for entertainment, and that is what we get here [JV]
JCF Bach: Die Auferweckung des Lazarus (Genuin)
Sympathetic and moving recording of an oratorio by JS Bach’s least-known musical son [CRo]
de Sabata: Orchestral Works (Hyperion)
(Déjà Review) For all unashamed romantics — this recording is absolutely fabulous [IL]
Chopin: Young Chopin (Pavane)
(Déjà Review) Trzeciak highlights the inherent sense of longing and the spirit of Polish dance to good effect [CC]
Haydn: Stabat Mater (Pentatone)
An excellent recording of a Stabat Mater with a special twist: the enlarged wind orchestration from 1803 [GF]
McDowall: Da Vinci Requiem (Signum Classics)
Excellent first recordings of two important works by Cecilia McDowall [JQ]
Wagner: Der Ring des Nibelungen [Dynamic)
A spectacular staging of a visually impressive and finely performed Ring from Bulgaria [GT]
Die Kunst des Sterbens (Genuin)
This disc’s concept makes it a valuable addition to the Bach discography [JV]
Zador: Celebration Music (Naxos)
The Zádor rehabilitation continues with a valuable and enjoyable seventh disc [NB]
Bartok: Concerto for Orchestra (Decca)
(Déjà Review) Superb modern versions of these works [JP]
Puccini: Tosca (Warner Fonit)
(Déjà Review) There are plenty of reasons for having this as well as the Callas/De Sabata [CH]
Lane: Sleighbell Serenade (Naxos)
Craftsmanship, orchestral finesse and an obvious love of light music [JF]
Jones: Piano Music (Lyrita)
Martin Jones proves a strong advocate for this intriguing repertoire [PBW]
Nicht Wiedersehen! (Gramola)
The Mahler songs are the apex of this issue, but there are also some rarities that are well worth a listen [GF]
Portraits of a Mind (Albion Records)
Tenor Alessandro Fisher shines in a superb recital of beautiful music old and new [NB]
Schubert: Mass (Hänssler Classic)
Bernius does not disappoint in one of Schubert’s most memorable, songful masterpieces [LW]